ISO 27001 - Data Transfer Agreement Template
Data Transfer Agreement – Governing Data Sharing Within Your ISMS
Supports ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requirements for information transfer and third-party controls - reviewed during certification audits.
A Data Transfer Agreement (DTA) is a critical supporting document within an ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS). It formally defines how information is shared between parties, including responsibilities, security controls, and safeguards applied to transferred data.
Auditors review DTAs during certification and surveillance audits to confirm that information transfer risks are identified, controlled, and contractually addressed, particularly for third-party and cross-border data sharing. Generic or informal agreements often fail to demonstrate control ownership, lawful transfer conditions, or ISMS alignment - leading to audit findings or follow-up actions.
This template provides a structured, defensible, auditor-ready Data Transfer Agreement format aligned with ISO/IEC 27001 requirements, enabling organisations to document data transfer controls, responsibilities, and safeguards as part of their ISMS evidence.
Why This Document Matters
- Demonstrates controlled and authorised information sharing within the ISMS
- Defines data transfer roles, responsibilities, and security obligations between parties.
- Establishes safeguards applied to transferred information, including third-party data sharing.
- Confirms information transfer risks are identified and addressed through contractual controls.
- Provides audit evidence of formally documented and approved data transfer arrangements.
What's Included in This Template
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022-aligned Data Transfer Agreement structure.
- Defined scope of data transfers and permitted use.
- Roles and responsibilities of transferring and receiving parties.
- Security controls and safeguards applied to transferred data.
- Conditions for third-party and cross-border data sharing.
- Requirements for monitoring, review, and compliance with the ISMS.
Common Audit Issues This Helps You Avoid
- Vague or generic data transfer clauses that fail under audit review.
- Unclear data transfer roles, responsibilities, or control ownership.
- Missing safeguards for third-party or cross-border data transfers.
- Information transfer risks not contractually addressed or traceable to controls.
- Informal or undocumented data sharing outside the ISMS.
- Audit findings related to ineffective information transfer and supplier controls.
Who Should Use This Template
- Organisations implementing ISO/IEC 27001 that need to formalise data sharing arrangements
- Companies preparing for ISO/IEC 27001 certification or surveillance audits involving data transfers.
- Businesses documenting third-party or cross-border data transfers within their ISMS.
- Consultants supporting multiple clients with ISO/IEC 27001-aligned contractual controls.
- Teams updating data transfer agreements to align with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 requirements.
Format & Customisation
- Editable Microsoft Word format (.docx)
- Fully customisable text, headings, and branding
- No specialised software required
- Compatible with Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice
Compliance Note
The Data Transfer Agreement is one component of a complete ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS). Certification also requires supporting policies, procedures, risk assessments, and supplier controls. All documentation must work together to demonstrate controlled, secure data sharing during certification and surveillance audits.
How Does It Work?
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1Download the Word template instantly after checkout.
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2Replace company-specific details where applicable.
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3Customize wording in template if required.
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4Formally approve and implement for ISMS data sharing.
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